Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Sat, Nov 15
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 17

Cheapest price

$15

Average price

$15

Fastest journey

2 h 19 m

Average duration

2 h 19 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

185 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Bloomington-Normal for Chicago, IL on Mon, Nov 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Nov 17 the direct trains cover the 185 km distance in an average of 2 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .

On Mon, Nov 17 the slowest trains will take 2 h 19 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
12:06PM2h19
Bloomington-Normal
02:25PMChicago, IL
$151One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €12, and a bus costs an average of €22.

Distance: 114 miles (185 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€32

Average price

Cheapest

€33

Average price

2h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 54m

Average total duration

4h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, November 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:16 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak12:06 PM Bloomington-Normal
2h19
2:25 PM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL by bus or train

Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Mon
Nov 17
Tue
Nov 18
Wed
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train

Trains from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:06, the last at 16:08. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (185 km) distance in 2h 19m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
114 miles (185 km)
Average train duration
2h 28m
Cheapest ticket price
$15 (€12)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
2h 19m
First train
12:06
Last train
16:08
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Bloomington-Normal and Chicago, IL from $15 (€12). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
Amtrak frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL takes 2h 19m and runs 4 per day.
The train journey from Bloomington-Normal, IL to Chicago, IL offers a mix of scenic views, primarily showcasing the expansive farmlands and small-town landscapes typical of the Midwest. While not as striking as mountainous or coastal routes, the ride provides a pleasant glimpse into rural Illinois and the outskirts of Chicago.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The last train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL leaves at 4:08 PM.
The distance by train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL is 114 miles (185 km).
A day trip from Bloomington-Normal, IL to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 19m. The distance is 114 miles (185 km), with 4 train trips available per day.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL.
Train ticket prices from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $15 (€12), while the average price is around $40 (€32).
There is no high speed train available from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL is by train, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The first train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL leaves at 12:06 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL

Bloomington
Chicago
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

Most popular train connections from Bloomington-Normal

More options for your journey from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago, IL

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